Abstract: A method for using a downdraft gasifier comprising a housing and a refractory stack contained within the housing. The refractory stack may comprise various sections. Apertures in the sections may be aligned to form multiple columnar cavities. Each columnar cavity may comprise an individual oxidation zone. The method of use may include the steps of placing a feedstock into an upper portion of the refractory stack, measuring the temperature of each columnar cavity, and adjusting the flow of oxygen to a particular columnar cavity to maintain the temperature of the particular columnar cavity within a particular range.

Abstract: A method for using a downdraft gasifier comprising a housing and a refractory stack contained within the housing. The refractory stack may comprise various sections. Apertures in the sections may be aligned to form multiple columnar cavities. Each columnar cavity may comprise an individual oxidation zone. The method of use may include the steps of placing a feedstock into an upper portion of the refractory stack, measuring the temperature of each columnar cavity, and adjusting the flow of oxygen to a particular columnar cavity to maintain the temperature of the particular columnar cavity within a particular range.

Abstract: A method for using a downdraft gasifier comprising a housing and a refractory stack contained within the housing. The refractory stack may comprise various sections. Apertures in the sections may be aligned to form multiple columnar cavities. Each columnar cavity may comprise an individual oxidation zone. The method of use may include the steps of placing a feedstock into an upper portion of the refractory stack, measuring the temperature of each columnar cavity, and adjusting the flow of oxygen to a particular columnar cavity to maintain the temperature of the particular columnar cavity within a particular range.

Abstract: A method for using a downdraft gasifier comprising a housing and a refractory stack contained within the housing. The refractory stack may comprise various sections. Apertures in the sections may be aligned to form multiple columnar cavities. Each columnar cavity may comprise an individual oxidation zone. The method of use may include the steps of placing a feedstock into an upper portion of the refractory stack, measuring the temperature of each columnar cavity, and adjusting the flow of oxygen to a particular columnar cavity to maintain the temperature of the particular columnar cavity within a particular range.

Abstract: A method for using a downdraft gasifier comprising a housing and a refractory stack contained within the housing. The refractory stack may comprise various sections. Apertures in the sections may be aligned to form multiple columnar cavities. Each columnar cavity may comprise an individual oxidation zone. The method of use may include the steps of placing a feedstock into an upper portion of the refractory stack, measuring the temperature of each columnar cavity, and adjusting the flow of oxygen to a particular columnar cavity to maintain the temperature of the particular columnar cavity within a particular range.

Abstract: A gasifier is disclosed. The gasifier may include a housing and a refractory system contained within the housing. The refractory system may comprise an upper manifold, an intermediate portion, and a lower manifold. The refractory system may also include columnar cavities. The columnar cavities may extend vertically through the intermediate portion and place the upper manifold in communication with the lower manifold.

Abstract: A method for using a downdraft gasifier comprising a housing and a refractory stack contained within the housing. The refractory stack may comprise various sections. Apertures in the sections may be aligned to form multiple columnar cavities. Each columnar cavity may comprise an individual oxidation zone. The method of use may include the steps of placing a feedstock into an upper portion of the refractory stack, measuring the temperature of each columnar cavity, and adjusting the flow of oxygen to a particular columnar cavity to maintain the temperature of the particular columnar cavity within a particular range.

Abstract: A method for using a downdraft gasifier comprising a housing and a refractory stack contained within the housing. The refractory stack may comprise various sections. Apertures in the sections may be aligned to form multiple columnar cavities. Each columnar cavity may comprise an individual oxidation zone. The method of use may include the steps of placing a feedstock into an upper portion of the refractory stack, measuring the temperature of each columnar cavity, and adjusting the flow of oxygen to a particular columnar cavity to maintain the temperature of the particular columnar cavity within a particular range.

Abstract: A method for using a downdraft gasifier comprising a housing and a refractory stack contained within the housing. The refractory stack may comprise various sections. Apertures in the sections may be aligned to form multiple columnar cavities. Each columnar cavity may comprise an individual oxidation zone. The method of use may include the steps of placing a feedstock into an upper portion of the refractory stack, measuring the temperature of each columnar cavity, and adjusting the flow of oxygen to a particular columnar cavity to maintain the temperature of the particular columnar cavity within a particular range.

Abstract: A continuous process for the production of alcohol, preferably ethanol, from cellulosic materials. The cellulosic materials are delignified such that the hemicellulose and the cellulose can be subsequently acid hydrolyzed into simple sugars. These sugars are fermented in the presence of yeast to yield ethanol and carbon dioxide. The alcohol vapor is removed from the fermentation solution under a reduced pressure and subsequently distilled. Carbon dioxide gas may be sparged throughout the fermenting solution in order to aid in the removal of the alcohol from the fermenting solution. The gaseous carbon dioxide is captured and utilized in the manufacture of additional quantities of ethanol or other basic chemicals.

Abstract: A continuous process for the production of alcohol, preferably ethanol, from cellulosic materials. The cellulosic materials are delignified such that the hemicellulose and the cellulose can be subsequently acid hydrolyzed into simple sugars. These sugars are fermented in the presence of yeast to yield ethanol and carbon dioxide. The alcohol vapor is removed from the fermentation solution under a reduced pressure and subsequently distilled. Carbon dioxide gas may be sparged throughout the fermenting solution in order to aid in the removal of the alcohol from the fermenting solution. The gaseous carbon dioxide is captured and utilized in the manufacture of additional quantities of ethanol or other basic chemicals.

Abstract: A blended ethanol-based fuel for use as a substitute to conventional petroleum fuels in existing engines, without modification, comprising water, a gaseous hydrocarbon (such as acetylene or propane), a binding component (such as benzene), and a lubricating oil.